King’s Quest – Chapter 2: Rubble Without A Cause Review

I have to start by saying that I really enjoyed the first episode Kings Quest Chapter 1: A Knight to Remember and played it fairly recently. I’m aware that the second episode was released a long time after the first, around six months. I understand that this would have been frustrating for people who played the first episode earlier in the year. The Odd Gentleman’s reimagining of Kings Quest was a nice surprise and I was excited to see what the second installment Rubble Without A Cause had in store.

I have only recently jumped into point and click, action adventure games like Broken Age or the Telltale games, and for the most part have enjoyed them. What I liked about the first episode of Kings Quest is still here in episode two, with watercolour like visuals, puzzles and humour. The story carries on from last time, with the King retelling his adventures to his Grandaughter. This time his story has moved on a bit in time, he is now a knight in what seems like his teens. You find yourself captured by goblins from the end of chapter one. The main premise of this episode is about trying to escape.

The gameplay is again focused on moving around certain environments, using the analogue stick and interacting with items. Like many other point and click adventure games, there are dialogue opportunities and puzzles involved. I enjoyed the start of the episode and don’t want to spoil too much, but I liked the use of resource management and the effect it had on others with you. The game has some interesting ways in which you can build relationships with others around you, much like games from the Telltale series. I have only played the episode once through, but have heard from others that the choices you make do actually have an impact on the outcomes. This does offer some reason to replay the game, which is always nice. I tend to find that I like to play the ‘good guy’ when it comes to decision-making in games like these.

One of the main things I didn’t enjoy so much about this episode was that it all takes place underground, which is ok, but it would have been nice to have seen a bit more variety in environments and art style. This will hopefully be something we get to see more of in later episodes. Also this episode was a little bit shorter in length compared to the first. It seems like many games like these suffer in episode to because the first episode is always more interesting as its introducing the characters, world and premise for the story.

That’s not to say though that this isn’t a good episode. I really enjoyed the characters, and world in which they exist. The story is well written, and full of humour. I recently replayed Telltales The Walking Dead and it was nice to now play something that’s a little more light-hearted and whimsical. I really enjoy having puzzles in games, when they feel rewarding. Sometimes the puzzles here can feel a little frustrating, but still enjoyable.

The presentation is again top-notch, with vibrant colours and design, even if it all takes place underground. The sound design and voice acting is fantastic and well-considered. Having good voice acting is very important in a game like this, as it makes you want to listen to the sections of dialogue that happen. In the first episode you were unable to skip dialogue, which you can now do so if you wish, although its worth taking in everything. The best part about these types of games is how you get to see various characters develop and how you become to either love or hate certain people. The episode finishes well and has me excited for future episodes.

Overall King’s Quest – Chapter 2: Rubble Without A Cause is certainly worth checking out if you enjoy these types of games. This episode is a little bit shorter than the first, but that didn’t feel like I wanted anything more from the episode. The humour and brilliant design is still here, but the environments are a bit limited do to the fact it takes place underground. I would certainly recommend this game if you haven’t tried it yet, and it could be the perfect game to play over the Christmas holidays.